ESSENCE OF THE JOB - Johannesburg

The Internal Sales Consultant is responsible for managing customer orders and quotations, providing responsive customer service, supporting external sales representatives, and proactively engaging with dormant customers to generate sales opportunities. The role requires strong attention to detail, accurate order processing and the ability to coordinate effectively with customers, sales and internal operational teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Handle incoming customer calls and enquiries professionally and efficiently.
• Process customer orders accurately on Syspro.
• Prepare and capture quotations on Syspro.
• Conduct outbound cold calls to dormant customers to re-engage existing accounts and identify sales opportunities.
• Assist walk-in customers and provide a professional customer experience.
• Provide accurate delivery instructions to the Dispatch team.
• Monitor customer back orders and provide customers with timely feedback regarding outstanding orders.
• Liaise with internal departments to resolve customer queries and ensure orders are processed efficiently.
• Support the Debtors Controller with customer collections where required.
• Provide administrative and sales support to External Sales Representatives.
• Assist External Sales Representatives with documentation and order processing.
• Maintain accurate customer and order information on the relevant systems.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers through responsive service and effective communication.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in internal sales, sales administration, customer service or a similar sales-support role.
• Experience processing orders and quotations on an ERP system; Syspro experience would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to handle customer enquiries and process orders accurately.
• Comfortable with outbound calling and re-engaging dormant customers.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Good attention to detail, particularly when capturing orders and quotations.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work effectively with External Sales Representatives and internal departments.
• Ability to manage multiple customer queries and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Good computer literacy.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a customer-focused and commercially minded internal sales professional who enjoys working with customers, processing orders and quotations, and supporting the broader sales team. They should be confident making outbound calls, comfortable working on an ERP system, highly accurate with administration, and proactive in following up on customer requirements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Internal Sales
• Customer Service
• Order Processing
• Quotation Preparation
• Outbound Calling
• Customer Relationship Management
• Sales Administration
• ERP / Syspro
• Order & Delivery Coordination
• Attention to Detail
• Team Support
• Communication & Follow-up

Job Title:

External Sales Representative – Free State

Job Purpose:

The incumbent will be responsible for driving and managing sales across the Free State region, growing the customer base, opening new accounts and maintaining strong relationships with retail hardware customers. The role requires an experienced external sales professional with strong business development, account management, merchandising and territory management capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Achieve monthly and quarterly sales targets
• Drive new business development and expand the customer base within the region
• Identify and open new retail hardware accounts
• Manage and grow relationships with existing retail hardware customers
• Visit the full customer base at least once a month
• Visit key customers twice a month and develop customer strategies
• Identify new product opportunities and recommend suitable product lines to customers
• Assess the viability and growth potential of the customer base within the region
• Develop and manage an effective territory and route plan
• Travel regularly to outlying areas within the Free State
• Ensure stores are merchandised according to company standards
• Conduct product demonstration days at customer stores
• Ensure customers have the required stands and service level agreements in place
• Manage and ensure the execution of in-store installations
• Monitor the maintenance of display stands and merchandising standards
• Work closely with and support, mentor and coach the Merchandiser
• Prepare and submit weekly call planners
• Compile monthly sales reports and analyse sales performance
• Complete customer contracts, proposals and quotations
• Assist customers with credit applications and submit required documentation
• Establish and maintain professional customer relationships
• Negotiate effectively with customers and identify opportunities to increase sales
• Analyse sales data and statistics and translate findings into practical sales solutions
• Maintain accurate customer and sales records
• Work towards expanding the customer base and territory coverage
• Participate in sales and promotional activities as required
• Meet deadlines and operate effectively in a fast-paced sales environment

Qualifications & Experience:

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Minimum 5 years’ external sales experience
• Proven sales experience within the hardware, building materials or FMCG sector
• Sales and Marketing qualification or certificate advantageous
• Valid driver’s licence
• Experience managing a territory and customer base
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets
• Experience opening new accounts and developing new business
• Strong understanding of retail customer requirements
• Ability to analyse sales data and identify sales opportunities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
• CRM experience advantageous
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Afrikaans
• Strong interpersonal, networking and negotiation skills
• Strong planning, organisation and time-management skills
• Customer-focused with strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Well presented and professional
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Willingness to travel extensively, including to outlying areas

Salary:

Market related + commission